by B. Worthen

How to Talk (Modern) Longshoreman

News
Jul 01, 20011 min
Supply Chain Management Software

Berth The wharf where a ship is tied up.

Bill of Lading (B/L) The document that certifies that a shipment has left the terminal.

Chassis The wheeled flatbed pulled by a tractor, on which a container is placed.

Container A rectangular box, generally made of steel, in which cargo is placed.

Gantry Crane A specially designed crane that transfers containers between vessels and chassis. According to APL, the cranes in Oakland, Calif., were the inspiration for the robot warriors in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace. (At press time, Star Wars director George Lucas was unavailable for comment.)

Gatehouse The point where trucks arrive and depart a terminal.

Intermodal The transportation of containers via more than one mode of transportation.

Post-Panamax A ship too wide to fit through the Panama Canal.

Stackcar A railroad car that has containers stacked two-high.